Meditating on "One Another"

One Anothering

There are a great number of commands in the New Testament that speak to the issue of how we as believers are to treat one another. As we purposely live in community with others who are committed to us and our growing relationship with our Lord Jesus, I think many of them bear revisiting.

Here is just a smattering of these verses.

John 13:34-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;

Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.

Romans 15:5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

1 Thessalonians 3:12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

1 Peter 4:8-10 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Some are stated in the positive, such as love one another. Others are stated in the negative, such as therefore let us not judge one another. They all serve the same purpose, to encourage us to love our fellow brothers and sisters with the same love with which God loves us. The impossible thing is that we can never accomplish any of this without devotion to Christ and tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit. As Christ is the center and head of our lives, these commands become easier and easier to put into practice. As 1 Thes 3:12 states, it is the Lord who causes us to abound in love for one another.

What joy there is in sharing the life of Christ and this physical life, our common journey, and being an encouragement and not a stumbling block to those on the journey with us. We all fail at accomplishing loving one another at times, but as we seek after Christ as the ekklesia, the gathering, it is so exciting to see Jesus assume his rightful place as the head of the body, to see believers growing in Christ and in love for one another.

Be encouraged, with Christ as the head, we can love one another. And, as others observe that love being lived out, they too will be drawn to Christ.

May the mind of Christ, the word of God touch the very heart of your spirit today, for the Word is truly alive and powerful.